ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

Hello everyone and welcome to this Sunday edition of The Frugal Mom! How are you doing today? I am in a rather funny frantic frazzle really... It's really quite humorous LOL. Time is ticking away for so many things and I know that life is going to get very hectic very fast! So I am left scrambling (my brain like eggs LOL) to try to bring life's little oops' together into one happy little bundle. So I cherish the serene time with you, my readers, as my "escape" from the frazzling frensy! So let's grab a cup of joe and enjoy our visit shall we?

Now I figure for frugal tips, I could bring you this article I saw on summer savings for trips, eating out, etc. Whether not I agree with some of them... that's another issue. However, they do offer some good tips overall and maybe some of them apply to you. So have a looksee...

Summer Savings: 21 Ways to Save Money on Restaurants, Day Trips and More
by Farnoosh Torabi

Summer's well upon us, and after last year's "staycation" trend there's some pent-up demand to go out, get away and have fun. At the same time, we still want to save money. From dining out to buying airline and concert tickets, here are some great saving strategies, ... and in some cases free deals!

Restaurants

Americans spent more than $200 billion eating out last summer, according to the U.S. Census. Some tips for lowering your dining bill include:

• Buy discounted gift certificates at restaurant.com for restaurants in your town or your destination.

• Search for free restaurant coupons at valpak.com. The site has tons of buy-one, get-one offers.

• At Happy-Hour.com find drink and meal specials at local restaurants.

Day Trips

• Look for Target free arts and culture events. The retailer offers free or discounted entry to museums, concerts and galleries across the country. This year there are more than 2,000 free events.

• Free summer movie days at Regal Theatres. The chain runs a "Free Family Film Festival," with a nine-week schedule of free movies with select days and times.

• If you're a member of a discount club like Costco or any other industry organization, like AAA, members may get discounts when they buy movie tickets in bulk. At Costco, you can buy two movie tickets for $15 and use them at participating theaters.

• The U.S. National Park Service is offering free admission on August 14-15 at more than 100 parks that normally charge a fee.

Travel

The average family of four will spend $4,000 on a vacation this summer, according to American Express. Eighty percent of those surveyed said they plan to lower their travel costs. Here's some help.

• Swap homes. Join a home exchange club like homexchange.com. There's also a housing swap section on Craigslist. Make sure to do proper background checks!

• Book plane tickets on either Tuesday or Wednesday when prices are cheapest, according to travel experts.

• Reserve hotel rooms on Sundays, when the weekend rush is over and hotel managers have time to talk on the phone and discuss available discounts.

• Take your family on a "volunteer vacation." Lodging costs are sometimes paid for (or at least offered at a big group discount rate). Earthwatch Institute and Wilderness Volunteers are two popular volunteer vacation groups.

• Travel with another family or a group of friends to try to get group rates. A group search on Priceline can help you find deals based on the type of group you are - bachelorette partiers, family reunion, school group, etc.

• According to a 2010 survey by travel site Hotwire.com, Atlanta, Orlando and Phoenix are the 3 cities that offer visitors the most bang for their buck this year. The calculation includes cost of getting there, accommodations and affordable entertainment.

• Jetsetter.com offers steep discounts on hotels, resorts and bed-and-breakfasts. I recently saved 70% on a reservation at a bed-and-breakfast in Maine.

Beach

• Hit up your local dollar store to get all your beach games and toys for much less. I found a pair of water goggles for a $1 last month at the local dollar store; when I got to the beach, a shop was offering the same goggles for $8.

• Similarly: Stock up on food, drinks, beach towels and chairs before you get to the beach. Otherwise, you're likely to pay a premium for things you can easily get for much, much less back home.

• Shop for bathing suits online on Sundays. The average discount on swim wear is greatest on Sundays, according to ShopitToMe.com.

Gas

Americans spent more than $1 billion a day on gas last summer from June to August, according to the U.S. Census.

• Fill up during the week. AAA suggests buying gas at independent stations and midweek, when it's cheaper.

• Ask your hotel if it's offering gas rebates or prepaid gasoline cards.

• Find the best gas prices online. GasBuddy will pull up a list of stations, ranked by price.

• Visit AAA at fuelcostcalculator.com to see how much gas you'll use up for a trip, and budget ahead of time.

OK folks I want to talk crafts. Are you getting excited? We sit here on the cusp of the Christmas Challenge and I thought about my mom's homemade stuffed ornaments she used to make for our tree when we were little. She would make ornaments of all kinds: Christmas trees, candy canes, wreaths, you name it. Then I thought how if you enlarged those patterns they make beautiful and/or whimsical decorative items for the holidays and good stuffed toys for the little peeps! You could make smaller plushies to hang on the presents you give (like decorate the package with) that people can use as ornaments. Or you could go all out and make bigger versions to use as toys and home decor for the holidays! Either way I think this is a great idea and I wanted to bring you one for consideration.



Craft Idea of the Day: Plushie Candy Canes

Materials:

Striped (preferably diagonal) red and white fabric about 2 ft x 1 ft
White thread
Polyester stuffing
Sewing machine
Two googly eyes
Small piece of red yarn
Craft glue
Scissors

Directions:

Fold the fabric in half so you have two layers of fabric with the wrong side facing you.

Sketch out your candy cane design around 10 inch in length and around 2 inch wide.

Cut out your cane allowing a little extra for sewing.

Sew your two pieces together leaving a gap at one end. Turn your cane the right way out.

Using the toy filling stuff your cane as firm or as soft as you would like it.

Finish up by sewing the end of the cane closed and gluing on your candy cane face.



Now... the Bible states that on the 7th day, God rested... and so shall the king. On this final day of PERFECTLY PRESLEY week, I want to talk about the King's (less than) graceful exit. Now many "enthusiasts" say the King is still alive. I don't believe that. The last 7 years of his life was plagued with hardships and worrysome lifestyles. By the end, he suffered from multiple ailments—glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver damage, and an enlarged colon, each aggravated, and possibly caused, by the heavy drug abuse. Presley was scheduled to fly out of Memphis on the evening of August 16, 1977, to begin another tour. That afternoon, Alden discovered him unresponsive on his bathroom floor. Attempts to revive him failed, and death was officially pronounced at 3:30 pm at Baptist Memorial Hospital.

President Jimmy Carter issued a statement that credited Presley with having "permanently changed the face of American popular culture". Thousands of people gathered outside Graceland to view the open casket. One of Presley's cousins, Billy Mann, accepted $18,000 to secretly photograph the corpse; the picture appeared on the cover of the National Enquirer's biggest-selling issue ever. Alden struck a $105,000 deal with the Enquirer for her story, but settled for less when she broke her exclusivity agreement. Presley left her nothing in his will.



Presley's funeral was held at Graceland, on Thursday, August 18. Outside the gates, a car plowed into a group of fans, killing two women and critically injuring a third. I'm sorry, I don't care who you are, your life is NOT worth MY death! (With the exception of my family of course...) Approximately 80,000 people lined the processional route to Forest Hill Cemetery, where Presley was buried next to his mother. Within a few days, "Way Down" topped the country and UK pop charts. An attempt was made to steal the singer's body in late August. After zoning issues were addressed, the remains of both Elvis Presley and his mother were reburied in Graceland's Meditation Garden on October 2. This just proves that even the famous are not perfect and we should regard them for who they truly are... deep down just ordinary people like you and I. I have great respect and admiration for Elvis and his work... He truly was a phenom in his own regards. R.I.P. Elvis... you are loved my dear!

So now tell me... we must have "the final supper" fit for a king right? Well I have brought you his favorites throughout the week. Now it is time for the week end's feast and I am gonna use the foods AGAIN but in a new light... are you ready for this interesting twist of culinary amazement? Just you watch this one! I'm COMBINING his favorites for some palate pulsing flavors bursting with the WOW factor! Eat & Enjoy!

Combining the mashed potatoes, bacon, and sauerkraut favorites gives us:



Perogies

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup cold water
1 pound bacon
5 pounds baking potatoes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 pound bacon
1 (32 ounce) jar sauerkraut - drained, rinsed and minced
3 tablespoons sour cream
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

To Make Dough: In a medium bowl combine the flour, salt, egg and water. Mix all together to form dough; cover bowl and set aside.

To Make Potato Filling: Place potatoes in a large pot. Add water to cover, bring to a boil, and boil for 25 to 35 minutes or until tender. Remove potatoes from water and mash. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and stir into mashed potatoes. Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper.

To Make Sauerkraut Filling: Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and place in a medium bowl. Stir in sauerkraut, then sour cream. Mix well.

Roll reserved dough out on a floured surface. Cut circles out of dough, using a small round container. Place a spoonful of potato or sauerkraut filling in the center of each circle and fold over, pinching edges together to seal. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; drop perogies in boiling water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they float. Remove and drain for a moment and then deep fry them until golden brown and crispy.

Combining the Pork chop and peanut butter (from the sandwiches) gives us:



Thai Pork with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 boneless pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
1/4 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

On a plate, combine the flour, cumin, cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir to distribute the spices. Coat the pork chops with the flour mixture, and shake off any excess.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork chops in the hot skillet, and fry for about 4 minutes per side, until cooked through.

While the pork chops cook, stir together the chicken broth, coconut milk, peanut butter, honey, ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Remove the pork chops to a serving platter, and keep warm.

Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Pour peanut sauce over the chops, and garnish with green onion, bell pepper, peanuts and cilantro.

And finally, let's combine the boneless chicken, the cornbread, and the blackberries from the pie... LOL and somehow bacon finds it way to a second appearance LOL, to give us:



Savory Stuffed Chicken Breast with Blackberry Glaze

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 pieces cornbread, crumbled
2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons minced celery
2 tablespoons minced onion
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/3 cup chicken stock
1/3 cup blackberry jam

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Using a paring knife, cut a pocket into the side of each breast. Place into skillet and sear until lightly browned on both sides, but not cooked through. Set aside.

Combine cornbread, bacon, celery, onion, butter, and 1/4 cup chicken stock; mix until well combined. Stuff each breast with cornbread mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

While the chicken is baking, bring 1/3 cup chicken stock to a simmer. Whisk in jam, and simmer over medium-low heat until most of the chicken stock has evaporated.

Pour glaze over chicken breasts, and cook for an additional 10 minutes and the center of the stuffed breast reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Okie dokie peeps... that's it for today. I have had an awesome adventure bringing you the life and times of one of my most favorite topics, Elvis Presley, this week and hope you have had as much fun as I have! I dunno what theme could possibly top this one with more fun and flare?! It will be a doozy for sure LOL! Either way I am having great fun bringing you themes with pizazz! So until next time my little Elvisites... "Elvis has left the building!"... "Thank you... Thank you very much"... HUGS!

GOING TO GRACELAND

Good morning folks! Or should I say Good Afternoon... How are you this steamy Saturday? Sorry for the late post... had my little visitor all day and night and he finally left this morning and I was tired cause I was up most of the night worried about my brother and worried that the baby was gonna roll off the bed LMAO. So I took a little nap LOL. Weather calls for isolated thunderstorms, so it was the perfect day to do that. LOL.



Now when People think of Elvis, one of the first things that pops in your head is his home. That is something on my bucketlist as well... visiting Graceland. I have wanted to go to Graceland ever since I was a little girl! So let's take a virtual trip, shall we?

Graceland is a large white-columned mansion and 13.8-acre (5.6 ha) estate that was home to Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. It is located at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard in the vast Whitehaven community about twelve miles from Downtown and less than four miles north of the Mississippi border. It currently serves as a museum. It was opened to the public on June 7th, 1982 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1991 and declared a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006. Graceland has become the second most visited private home in America with over 600,000 visitors a year; only the White House has more visitors per year.

Elvis Presley died at the estate on August 16, 1977. Presley, his parents Gladys and Vernon Presley, and his grandmother, are buried there in what is called the Meditation Gardens.Graceland Farms was originally owned by S.C. Toof, founder of S.C. Toof & Co., a commercial printing firm in Memphis, who was previously the pressroom foreman of the Memphis newspaper, the Memphis Daily Appeal. The grounds were named after Toof's daughter, Grace, who inherited the farm. Soon after, the portion of the land designated as Graceland today was given to her nephews and niece. It was Grace Toof's niece, Ruth Moore, who, in 1939 together with her husband Dr. Thomas Moore, built the present American "colonial" style mansion.

Elvis purchased Graceland in early 1957 for approximately $100,000 after vacating an East Memphis house located at 1034 Audubon Drive. He moved because of privacy and security concerns, and the opposition of neighbors to the raucous behavior of the many fans who slowly cruised by his home. Elvis moved into Graceland together with his father Vernon Presley and his mother Gladys. After Gladys died in 1958, and Vernon married Dee Stanley in 1960, the couple lived there for a time. Wife-to-be Priscilla Beaulieu also lived at Graceland for five years before she and Elvis married. After their marriage in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967, Priscilla lived in Graceland five more years until she separated from Elvis in late 1972.

The mansion is constructed of tan limestone and consists of twenty-three rooms, including eight bedrooms and bathrooms. The entrance way contains four Temple of the Winds columns and two large lions perched on both sides of the portico. After purchasing the property Presley carried out extensive modifications to suit his needs and tastes, including: a fieldstone wall surrounding the grounds, a wrought-iron music-themed gate, a swimming pool, a racquetball court, and the famous "Jungle Room" which features an indoor waterfall, among other modifications. In February and October 1976, the Jungle Room was converted into a recording studio, where Presley recorded the bulk of his final two albums, From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee and Moody Blue; these were his final known recordings in a studio setting.



One of Presley's better known modifications was the addition of the Meditation Gardens, where he, his parents Gladys and Vernon, and grandmother are buried. A small stone memorializes Elvis' twin brother Jesse Garon who died at birth. The Meditation Garden was opened to the public in 1978. Graceland was officially opened to the public on June 7, 1982. According to critics such as Albert Goldman, "'nothing in the house is worth a dime." In chapter 1 of his book, Elvis (1981), the author describes Graceland as looking like a brothel: "it appears to have been lifted from some turn-of-the-century bordello down in the French Quarter of New Orleans." And he dismisses the interior as "gaudy," "garish" and "phony," adding that "King Elvis's obsession with royal red reaches an intensity that makes you gag." When "people who to a real degree shared Elvis Presley’s class background, and whose lives were formed by his music," visited the inside of Graceland, Greil Marcus says in similar terms, they "have returned with one word to describe what they saw: 'Tacky.' Tacky, garish, tasteless — words others translated as white trash." In Graceland: Going Home With Elvis, Karal Ann Marling deals with the decorative arts that makes Elvis' mansion seem a creation as well as a site. Graceland's "act of faith in serial novelty," Marling argues, synthesized the "intense concern for personal style" that made B. B. King notice a teenage Elvis in a pawnshop years before he was famous and the fashion sense informing the "theme clothes" of the '70s — "carapace[s] of sheer, radiant glory." However, it's important to note that during their four year relationship, Presley's girlfriend Linda Thompson decorated much of Graceland in her own style. Even Presley himself was said to "balk at the extent of her red fur and leopard skin look."

Graceland grew from 10,266 square feet (953.7 m2) when originally bought by Presley to 17,552 square feet (1,630.6 m2) today. Managers of the complex announced a major renovation project that will include a new visitors center, a 500-room convention hotel and high-tech museum displays. The current visitors center, souvenir shops, the 128-room Heartbreak Hotel, and museums will be torn down and replaced with the new facilities. The project will take approximately 3 years to complete.

Now today I will let you indulge into the King's favorite dessert item. Blackberry pie is a very sweet fruity southern staple if ya ask me. So I am gonna get straight to the point and bring you this recipe, except wih a twist... make it deep dish baby! Serve it up warm with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla ice cream and OMG you will be in heaven! Eat & Enjoy!



Deep-Dish Blackberry Pie

Ingredients

3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed and drained
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

LATTICE CRUST:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons sugar, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cold butter
1 tablespoon shortening
3 tablespoons cold water
1 egg white, beaten

Directions

Place blackberries in a bowl. Combine sugar and cornstarch; sprinkle over berries.

Add lemon juice and cinnamon; toss to coat. Spoon into a greased 1-qt. baking dish.

In a bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon sugar and salt. Cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add water; toss with a fork until a ball forms. Roll out pastry; cut into strips and make a lattice crust over filling. Crimp edges.

Brush with egg white; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack.

Note: Instead of a lattice crust, pastry can be rolled out to fit top of dish. Cut slits in pastry; place over berries. Trim, seal and flute edges.

Well kids, I am gonna go see if I can save the rest of the day by getting off my lazy butt and be productive in SOME way LOL! I will see you tomorrow for the final resting blog for the King so make sure you tune in... same time... same station... Until then... HUGS!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Morning folks... how are you today? I'm rather tired actually. I got a BAD case of leg cramps that kept me up a lot last night. Other than that, I'm alright LOL. Got some crazy cats running around wildly this morning testing my patience LOL! I'm watching the weather channel because there is another storm I am watching. Tropical storm Bonnie is currently over Florida and they predict it to come into the gulf and make landfall in the Louisiana area. Which means horrible rain for us either way. Rain I can deal with... its the thunder and lightning that makes me very uneasy!

Well its the last day of the long group of frugal tips I have for you today. This is just a collection of tips for your household. Hopefully you have found some of these tips super useful. Maybe you even printed them off and hung them in their respective places (Laundry in the laundry room, kitchen in the kitchen, etc.). LOL. However, since this is the last installment of tips, I am gonna have to find other ways to earn my title of "The Frugal Mom" LOL! I don't think that will be too hard! Ok kids, here they are... even MORE frugal living tips! Enjoy!

Miscellaneous Household Tips

1. Fruit and flowers may be preserved from decay and fading by immersing them in a solution of gum arabic and water two or three times, waiting a sufficient time between each immersion to allow the gum to dry. This process covers the surface of the fruit with a thin coat of gum, which is entirely impervious to the air, thus preventing the decay of the fruit or flower. Or spray them with hairspray.

2. Sharpen your own scissors by using them to cut fine grade sandpaper. About a half dozen cuts should do it!

3. Bobbins, thread, and other sewing notions can be hung on a bulletin board with straight pins near your machine.

4. Use iron-on rug binding on men's trousers to prevent "waist-band curing" of trouser tops.

5. Use nylon net to brush lint off dark clothing.

6. To achieve fresher air in the house without paying a fortune for canned spray, squeeze a few drops of a fresh lemon into the dust bag of your vacuum.

7. Close off unused rooms. If you currently heat and cool several seldom-used rooms in your home, you are wasting energy and money. Consider closing the air ducts and doors in rooms used mostly for storage and occasionally for guests. Closing unused rooms may reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent, depending on the proportion of your home's total square footage the closed rooms comprise. Check with the dealer of the heating and cooling system in your home to determine whether closing off rooms has the potential to harm the system.

8. Always have trouble with that one roll of tape and finding the end of it? Stick a button on the end, then when you use it, just move the button.

9. Rub the pure cornstarch type baby powder into your pet's coat prior to brushing/combing, if there are tangles or mats, it will make them come out much more easily.

10. Tea makes a nice inexpensive, yet permanent stain for unstained furniture.

11. Sprinkle cinnamon on aluminum foil and place it in a hot oven, leaving the door open. As the cinnamon heats, the cinnamon will permiate the house.

12. Spray the inside of a mayonnaise jar white. Store it in the refrigerator as a hiding place for money or valuables.

14. Put a metal spoon into a glass before pouring in any hot liquid - this will prevent the glass from cracking.

15. Soak a cloth in carbonated water and wrap around a rusty bolt and leave for a few minutes. The bolt should loosen right up.

16. Tip for stamp collectors: Place the envelope in the freezer for a few hours. You'll then be able to easily lift the stamps off with a pair of tweezers.

17. Save your change. Empty your wallet, purse, and pockets on a regular basis into a "piggy bank". Occasionally roll the change and take to the bank. It will add up faster than you think.

18. Did you know you can freeze milk? Next time it is on sale, pick up several gallons and freeze it!

19. Freeze candles before using and they will burn longer.

20. The more food in the oven, the more efficient it is. The same goes for your freezer.

21. To keep buttons from dropping off: Dab a drop of clear nail polish onto the thread to secure the buttons. This will harden and make it more difficult for thread to break off.

22. A shot of vodka added to a vase will keep your cut flowers fresher much longer.

23. Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers after your food preparations. Just slice and rub a raw potato on the stain and rinse in clear-cool water.

24. Do not store propane tanks in your garage. They may explode when it gets very hot.

25. Brown sugar will not harden if stored in the freezer.

Now its just about time for us to begin yet another challenge... the Christmas Challenge. Now today I will have a little visitor hanging out with me for a spell and I thought a baby craft would be cool to feature today. I might use this idea as part of his gift... not sure yet. At any rate, this is a great craft to make some inexpensive toys for your kids or even for donation to maybe a children's hospital too!



Craft Idea of the Day: Felt Baby Cube

Materials:

Felt
Embroidery Thread
Colored felt for shapes
Needle
Toy Filling/Wadding

Directions:

This felt cube sewing project is so versatile, it can be used as a kids toy or a pin cushion.

Start by cutting out 6 squares 8 inch (20cm) in size.

Using a blanket stitch join all the edges together to form a flat shaped cube.

Leaving the Top square off. This will allow you to sew on the shapes and to fill it.

We used hand shaped pieces that were sewn onto the side, but you can find adhesive felt shapes in your craft store which are much faster and add more detail.

Soft filling works best for toys, but if you intend to use it as a needle holder try using something a little firmer like toy foam or a foam cube.

Sew the top on using the blanket stitch.

Make smaller ones for cat toys or larger ones for kids toys. Drop a bell in for a rattle effect.



Ok, lets talk about Elvis! Now everybody has favorites... and Elvis was no exception. Tabitha wanted to know some of my favorite Elvis stuff? Well... let's see, I really can't pick one favorite song... I love them all! But I would say that I am more fond of the upbeat tempo songs like "Rock-A-Hula", "(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care", and "Bossa Nova Baby" just to name a few LOL. I also like some of the songs that really showcase "Southern" influence like "Crawfish" and "The Eyes of Texas" just to name a couple! However, there is one song that sticks in my mind so much that it is written in my final wishes that it be played at my viewing. I know, morbid, huh? Anyway... the song is "My Way" and I chose that because it is the epidemy of my life. I truly have lived it "My Way". Now my favorite movie? Again, its SO hard to choose because I love them all as well! I could make a day (or even a weekend LOL) of just sitting around watching all the Elvis movies! But if I HAD to pick then out of the 31 films he did as an actor, I would have to say either Viva Las Vegas, King Creole, G.I. Blues, or Blue Hawaii. Choosing is so hard! LOL... And my favorite Elvis food? Well... considering what all was on his list, I would have to say the cheeseburger or boneless chicken (depending on the part of the chicken and the preparation LOL). (Of course that is not MY favorite food LOL.) Shoot, I don't even know what all my favorites would be LOL... something for me to think about seriously LOL. Anyway, let's explore some more of The King's Favorite stuff!

Favorite toothpaste: Colgate

Favorite after-shave: Brut

Favorite drink: Pepsi Cola, Mountain Valley Water

Favorite foods: Peanut butter & bananna sandwiches, mashed potatoes, burned bacon, grape jelly, cheeseburgers, pork chops, sauerkraut, meatloaf, boneless chicken, cornbread, egg pie, blackberry cobbler

Favorite hobbies: Go-carting, karate, numerology, reading, gospel singing, touch football

Favorite board games: Yahtzee (the score pads he and Priscilla used are on display at Elvis's Memphis restaurant), Monopoly

Favorite collectible: Official badges. He had police badges from almost every city he sang in and a federal narcotics badge from President Richard M. Nixon.

Second favorite collectible: Guns. There were nearly 40 weapons of various kinds in the Presley arsenal, including M-16s and other rifles, automatic pistols, derringers and a Thompson submachine gun.

Ok its time to make a meal fit for the King! A couple more of the King's favorite foods (as you see listed above) were sauerkraut and cheeseburgers. In his 20s, Elvis told Country Song Roundup Magazine he could polish off eight deluxe cheeseburgers, two bacon-lettuce-and-tomato sandwiches and three milkshakes in a single sitting. Now I could bring you a recipe for a normal cheeseburger, but what spiffed up kind of boringness would that be? Exactly! So I thought combining the 2 would be strange and modern! So I bring you sauerkraut... and a cheeseburger... together... shining in a whole new light! Eat & Enjoy!



Reuben Burgers

Ingredients

2 pounds ground pork
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
8 slices Swiss cheese
8 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Thousand Island salad dressing

Directions

In a bowl, combine pork, salt, pepper and garlic; mix well. Shape into 16 patties, about 3/8 in. thick. Spoon tablespoon sauerkraut in the center of eight patties; top each with a second patty and press edges to seal.
Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Top with cheese. Spoon salad dressing on buns and serve.

Well kids, I need to get off of here and make myself useful. I need to run a couple of errands and then come back and get crafty. I also will be waiting to hear about mom, as she was scheduled for her second shot today. Everyone please pray for her. Well, be safe in wherever life takes you today and I will see you tomorrow. Until then... HUGS!

IN THE ARMY NOW

Good morning everyone! How are you doing this trippy Thursday? We're ok here... woke up to some sprinklage this morning lol. So I have to change my plans for the day.

Alright kids... its time for me to put the "frugal" into The Frugal Mom! We have covered lots of topics with some great tips. Well today I am bringing you some tips for something that effects us all... food! We all must buy groceries at some point in order to live, so why not have ways to make a necessary task a bit frugal? So here ya go!

Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips

BEFORE SHOPPING

Check your pantry to see what you already have. Don't spend money on things you don't need.

Plan your spending to avoid impulse buys.

Grow it or Make it yourself and save!

Make a price book, and frequently refer to it. For more information about price books, click here.

Prepare your menu for the week around what you already have, and what's on sale.

If your area has food co-ops, Join up! A food co-op can reduce your weekly food bill by as much as 50%.

Shop for items BEFORE you run out of them. If you run out of an item you'll have to pay whatever the store is charging that week.

Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

Avoid trips to the "corner store".

Make a grocery list during the week. Take it with you when you shop. Stick to it.

If you go to the supermarket early in the morning (before 9am) you have a better chance of getting mark down items. Local stores in my area mark down fresh veggies and fruits, frozen items, milks, and meats.

Shop alone - this will save lots of money and frustration.

You have heard this before, but it is so true ... don't shop for groceries on an empty stomach.

Clean out your refrigerator, it will be much easier to put away groceries.

Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

More often than not, the best sales are on the front and back of your supermarket flyer.

WHILE SHOPPING

Stick to what's on your shopping list.
Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.

Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.

Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very expensive.

Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and ecologically smart.

Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.

Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

Watch for unadvertised specials.

Shop for items that you use regularly at all times. If you run out, you will have to pay whatever the supermarket may be charging when you need it.

Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile! If a product you use is on sale, buy as much as you can afford and store to last you until the next sale. This is a BIG money saver!

Wait if you can until the item is on sale. If you know your products and stores, you can have enough to last until the item is discounted again.

Use your freezer to stock up when there is a sale on frozen or dairy items, such as cheese, butter and milk.

Buy in bulk when the unit price is less. Larger sizes do not always mean lower prices.

Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean you are getting it for a lower than normal price. Know your prices. This is one way that a price book can help you.

Use store specific savings cards.

Don't be afraid to try generic or store brands. Most stores will refund your money if you are not satisfied.

Pretty packaging costs you money. You are not only paying for the product, but for the packaging (and advertising) as well.

Buy and use in season veggies and fruit.

Always check the expiration date on dairy products.

Avoid anything disposable.

Convenience foods are more expensive, you are trading money for time. Slice, season, mix, and cook it yourself.

Always check the day old bread basket, and the reduced merchandise cart.

Always ask for a raincheck if an advertised special is out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to come back in, look for more coupons for that product.

AFTER SHOPPING

Always return a product that is spoiled.

Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!

Learn the sales cycles of your favorite stores, and know when to expect certain items to go on sale.

Shop at bakery outlets. Breads and rolls freeze very well.

Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

Ok, I also want to let you all know that I put a few things on Etsy finally. Its pretty much the same things on my website, but the difference is that right now, I can put more things on Etsy than on my site. So I have added the link on the sidebar, or you can go to ReneeTheFrugalMom on Etsy.

So do you want to make something spectacular today? I want to show you a frugal recycling craft to make something I absolutely adore... roses! You can make these roses from denim scraps and attach them to bags or whatever you please! You can make a bouquet and use as decor in your home. Your imagination is the only limitation. So when you hem some jeans, or maybe have some you can't fit anymore... consider this craft!



Craft Idea of the Day: Denim Roses

Materials:

Length of Denim or Turned up Hem Cut off
Glue or Sewing thread

Directions:

This project uses the piece you cut off your jeans when turning them up. The width should be no less than 1 1/2 inch or you will not have anything to sew up at the back.

Start by taking one end of the length. And begin rolling it loosely into your hand, you will see as you go, that it begins to resemble a rose. You can make the layers more loose towards the end to portray an opening rose bloom.

Secure with craft glue at the back and pin until dry. Or hand sew the rose into place with small stitches.

I actually used hot glue which was super easy and popped a magnet onto the back.

You can use these roses for embellishing Hats, scarfs belts or pop them onto a pin for a brooch.



It's time to praise Presley! WOOHOO! Now many know that Elvis was in the army and that's what I want to talk about today. Who doesn't like a man in uniform? LOL! On March 24, Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army as a private at Fort Chaffee, near Fort Smith, Arkansas. Captain Arlie Metheny, the information officer, was unprepared for the media attention drawn by the singer's arrival. Hundreds of people descended on Presley as he stepped from the bus; photographers then accompanied him into the base. Presley announced that he was looking forward to his military stint, saying he did not want to be treated any differently from anyone else: "The Army can do anything it wants with me." Later, at Fort Hood, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel Marjorie Schulten gave the media carte blanche for one day, after which she declared Presley off-limits to the press.

Soon after Presley had commenced basic training at Fort Hood, he received a visit from Eddie Fadal, a businessman he had met when on tour in Texas. Fadal reported that Presley had become convinced his career was finished—"He firmly believed that." During a two-week leave in early June, Presley cut five sides in Nashville. He returned to training, but in early August his mother was diagnosed with hepatitis and her condition worsened. Presley was granted emergency leave to visit her, arriving in Memphis on August 12. Two days later, she died of heart failure, aged 46. Presley was devastated; their relationship had remained extremely close—even into his adulthood, they would use baby talk with each other and Presley would address her with pet names.

After training at Fort Hood, Presley joined the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany, on October 1. Introduced to amphetamines by a sergeant while on maneuvers, he became "practically evangelical about their benefits"—not only for energy, but for "strength" and weight loss, as well—and many of his friends in the outfit joined him in indulging. The Army also introduced Presley to karate, which he studied seriously, later including it in his live performances. Fellow soldiers have attested to Presley's wish to be seen as an able, ordinary soldier, despite his fame, and to his generosity while in the service. He donated his Army pay to charity, purchased TV sets for the base, and bought an extra set of fatigues for everyone in his outfit.

I can only imagine that when Elvis got home, he was craving some down home southern favorite foods. Another one of the King's favorites was Pork Chops and Mashed potatoes. So how in the world do you "jazz that up" you ask? Let me show you! Fruit is a wonderful pairing with pork, so how about some Caramel Apple chops and some Mashed SWEET potatoes for supper? YUM!!!!



Caramel Apple Pork Chops

Ingredients

4 (3/4 inch) thick pork chops
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced
3 tablespoons pecans (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Place a medium dish in the oven to warm.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush chops lightly with oil and place in hot pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, or until done. Transfer to the warm dish, and keep warm in the preheated oven.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt and pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add butter to skillet, and stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook until apples are just tender. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of chops. Keep warm in the preheated oven.

Continue cooking sauce uncovered in skillet, until thickened slightly. Spoon sauce over apples and chops. Sprinkle with pecans.



Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

With an electric mixer on low, blend potatoes, slowly adding milk, about 1/2 a cup at a time. Use more or less to achieve desired texture. Add butter and maple syrup, to taste. Blend until smooth. Serve warm.

Ok everyone, thats it for today. Did you enjoy your visit? Are you hungry now? I hope so LOL. I also hope that you visit again tomorrow for more fun and excitement and that you remain safe in whatever you find yourself doing today! I'm outta here... HUGS!

HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE

Good late morning everyone! How are you today? I am really tired and late, so my apologies. I was up really early in the night and once I finally got back to sleep... well that's all she wrote LOL! So what do you have planned for today? Me... staying inside! Our local weather calls for isolated thunderstorms, so what better a day to stay inside and (TRY LOL) make yourself be productive LOL!

So today brings another installation of frugal tips to help make your life a little easier and cheaper LOL! Today we tackle the ever-daunting task of being beautiful! Now society puts alot of (what I think) unnecessary stress on "looking beautiful". They make you think you have to do all these high cost tasks and do all the latest fads to be one of "the beautiful people". I say that is rubbish! I think beauty is how you carry and conduct yourself. And if everyone thought that way, I believe that we would not have a current epidemic of young girls starving (and KILLING) themselves to be unhealthily (is that a word? LOL) skinny just because that is what society says is "beautiful"! I'm large and in charge baby! Love it or leave it! So you won't find miracle cures or diets here, but these tips will help with the more subtle ways to stay healthy and beautiful!

Health and Beauty Tips

1. To dry nail polish in a hurry, spray nails with PAM Oil Spray.

2. Remove Planter's Warts with banana peels. Before bedtime tape a banana peel inside to the skin, over the wart, and cover with a bandage. Within a couple of days the wart will be gone.

3. Olive oil can be added to bath water for a skin softener.

4. Save money on services you need by receiving them from students in training. Examples: Hairdresser, Dental, Massage.

5. Make your own flexible ice packs. Pour 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a zip-type plastic bag and close. Put zipped bag into another bag, seal, and freeze. You will have a slushy bag of ice whenever needed for sprains, headaches, or whatever.

6. Ask your doctor for free samples. Pharmaceutical companies flood doctors with samples of all kinds of expensive prescrip- tions. If your doctor doesn't offer, ask.

7. Always consider generic. Ask your doctor to prescribe the cheapest form of medicine.

8. Toner/Astringent -- Use witch hazel instead. No need to dilute -- use full strength. You can also rinse with a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar after cleansing -- it balances out the ph of your skin.

9. Cut back on the amount of shampoo you use. Do the same with toothpaste. The manufacturers want us to use more, so we buy more.

10. Keep your pantyhose in the freezer, and they will last longer.

11. For great lotion, mix one-part lotion with one-part vaseline. It works better than plain lotion, and, depending on the cost of your lotion, you can stretch its value.

12. Remove gum from hair with nail polish remover, then shampoo.

13. To prevent hair pins from falling out, bend one prong in a "V" about halfway up and insert in hair. It will stay.

14. To keep Cold Cream from spoiling and to maintain its freshness, keep it in the refrigerator. Plus it is so cool!

15. Old lipstick tubes, thoroughly cleaned, are great for purse-sized pill boxes or for pins.

16. Use a lazy susan at bedside to enable sick to reach more items.

17. Emergency Sinus Relief - swap white vinegar high up in the nostrils.

18. To cure a cigarette habit - Take before breakfast 1/2 teaspoon each of Rochelle Salts and Cream of Tartar, also chew Ginseng root and swallow the juice.

19. Use hydrogen peroxide as an inexpensive nail bleach.

20. Instead of purchasing a tube of Chap Stick for $1.49, pay the same price for a container of petroleum jelly, and divide it into small containers to carry with you to use for chapped lips.

21. Mix dry oatmeal and water into a paste and spread on face. Lie down and let it dry. Wash off with warm water. Excellent facial.

22. Visit your hairdresser during the week, as sometimes they offer haircuts cheaper than on busier Saturdays.

23. Know what your health insurance pays for.

24. Coupons for health and beauty products that say good on "One Any Size" can be used on trial sizes. If you have a 1.00 coupon off of your favorite shampoo, and the trial size is only .99 cents, you will get it free!

25. For the truly frugal - when you can no longer squeeze any more toothpaste out of the tube, cut the tube open, and scrape the remainder into a bowl. Add baking soda and some water, and you can double the amount of the toothpaste.

26. To stretch your shampoo pour half of bottle into empty bottle, and add water to fill both. You have twice as much now, and it will work just the same.

27. Free fingernail brush - When washing your hair, before you rinse off the shampoo run your fingernails through your hair a few times. Then rinse.

28. Bee Stings - Remove stinger if there is any and dampen area and put Meat Tenderizer on area. Just leave awhile.

29. Facial Moisturizer - Petroleum jelly makes a great moisturizer. Wash your face and while it is still wet apply a tiny amount of jelly. Continue rubbing in a circular motion adding very warm water until jelly is spread evenly. Your skin will be soft and non-greasy even in the winter.

30. Removing makeup - Use a damp washcloth rather than cotton balls to remove makeup. It works great and also saves natural resources.

31. Melted Lipstick - Don't throw away that expensive lipstick after leaving it in the car. Just place it in the freezer and it will be like new. Transfer to another container, if necessary.

32. Extend the Usage of Your Stick Deodorant - When you can no longer use the sticks because the deodorant is below the plastic line, set the container aside. When you have several near-empty containers, microwave them for about 10 seconds until the remaining deodorant liquifies. Pour the liquid deoderant into a plastic container and let harden.

33. Two-minute tummy tuck: Seated or standing anywhere, inhale allowing the abdominal muscles to relax gently outward. Think of your tummy as a balloon. Exhale, contracting the abdominal tightly inward as if you were trying to get every single bit or air out of the balloon. Hold a minute and inhale to repeat.

Ok, so are you watching it? I mean really watching?? Only 5 more days left! I am still curious how many of you are going to join me LOL. Anyway, today I am bringing you a craft recycling and utilizing a current craft fad... Plarn. Plarn is yarn made from plastic- be it bags or whatnot. Now being the bag lady (as my mom calls me LOL) I found a site that crochets a cute little plarn purse. Ya know me... I am loving recycling and of course, I love purses! LOL.



Craft Idea of the Day: Recycled Plastic Bag Purse

Crocheted using recycled plastic bags this Granny Square Bag is a quick and fun project!

With center color (White shown) Ch 4, Sl St to form ring.

Rnd 1 Using White bag yarn, Ch 2, (counts as 1 Hdc) in ring work 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, Ch1, 3 Hdc Ch 1, Sl St to top of Ch 2. (4 corners & 4 shells made) Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.

Rnd 2 With next color (Grey) attach in any Ch 1 corner space. Ch 2, 2 Hdc, Ch1, 3 Hdc, all in the same ch 1 corner space. *Sk next 3 Hdc, 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the next Ch 1 corner space.* Repeat between * 2 more times, Sl St to top of the beginning Ch 2.

Rnd 3 Sl St across remaining Hdc's to corner. Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space. *Sk 3 Hdc, make 3 Hdc in between shells, Sk next shell, make 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc in corner.* Repeat 2 more times then Sl St to top of first Hdc. Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.

Rnd 4-8 Using White bag yarn, attach in any Ch 1 corner space. Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space. Continue working in established pattern of Sk 3 Hdc (shell), 3 Hdc in between each of the shells, Sk next shell, until you reach the corner again and then make 3 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc in each corner.

At the completion of each rnd, Sl St to top of the beginning Ch 2 and Sl St over to corner space. Then begin again with Ch 2 (counts as 1 Hdc) 2 Hdc, Ch 1, 3 Hdc, all in the corner space and so on. Complete 8 rnds.

Fasten off and weave ends under on back side of Motif.

Tip: (On second Motif, don't fasten off. Just leave your yarn attached at corner to begin weaving the two Motifs together.)

Make two Motifs.

This bag is shown using White and Grey plastic bag yarn but any colors can be used as desired.

With wrong sides together and weave them together by attaching white yarn (or using tip above) at corner and work 1 rnd of Sc around 3 sides of the bag. (The right sides of the bag should be facing out when you Sc around 3 sides of bag.) Don't fasten off. Leave yarn attached to make strap handle.

Add strap handle:

Chain 40 and attach your yarn to opposite opening edge. (I use a Sl St to attach and then another Sl St into another stitch at opening edge to provide added strength for your handle.) Turn and work back up the chain by working a Sc around the chain until you get back to opposite end of strap handle. Adjust your Sc stitches around chain as needed to provide a smooth strap for your bag. The Sc's slide a bit and this allows for you to adjust your stitches as needed.

Attach your yarn into opening edge once you have your strap handle completed. Fasten off and weave ends under on inside of the bag.

Ch - Chain Hdc - Half Double Crochet
Sc - Single Crochet
Sl St - Slip Stitch
Sk - Skip
Rnd - Round

This pattern is copyrighted by Cindy from My Recycled Bags and may only be used for private individual use. No commercial sales or use is permitted. Links to this pattern are acceptable. (C)2007



Now its time to gaze upon the stars! Its Elvis time! Now it's "hump" day as they call it, so we are gonna talk about Elvis and his wild side LOL! As mom told you, and if you didn't already know, Elvis had a nickname of "Elvis the Pelvis". He earned this nickname because of the gyrating he did while performing on stage. The standards for indecency have slipped precipitously since the 1950s. What was considered unforgivably salacious then would barely merit an eyebrow raise these days. Take Elvis Presley's second appearance on the Milton Berle Show in June of 1956. Presley had already made minor TV appearances, but his performance of "Hound Dog" on Milton's show scandalized a nation. Playing most of the song at a standard up-beat tempo, the studio audience was electrified by the King's wild energy. But the real action came in the song's last bar, where Elvis slowed down the beat to a sensual blues tempo and suggestively gyrated his hips in time. The next day, he would be dubbed "Elvis the Pelvis" and moral crusaders the world over would be campaigning to keep him off the air. In a later appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show he was even filmed from the waist up to keep any crotch moves from reaching innocent eyes.

Now its time to munch of some Presley yummies! Another one of Elvis' favorite food was a good old fashion meatloaf! I know... simple right? Most of his favorites were simple, and sometimes- to me at leaast- simple is best! Not to mention that simple normally leaves the most room for experimentation. Meatloaf is definitely no exception. You can add, substitute, or delete certain ingredients and transform your meal into something truly stunning. Today's super spruced up favorite is a sweet surprise for your family any night of the week!



Brown Sugar Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup milk
1 eggs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs
2 slices of bread

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.

Place the 2 slices of bread in the bottom. (The bread is meant to absorb any excess grease... do not eat it! YUCK LOL)

Mix the brown sugar and ketchup together. Add the Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.

In another mixing bowl, mix thoroughly all remaining ingredients and shape into a loaf. Place the ketchup/sugar mix on the top as the glaze.

Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until juices are clear.

Well kids, that's it for me today. Gotta get myself moving so I can get some things done today. I hope you enjoyed your visit today and will come back tomorrow for more great food and hip shakin' fun! Until tomorrow... HUGS!

SONGS OF THE SOUTH

Well good morning everyone! How are you doing this tempid Tuesday? I'm fair to midland... rather exhausted really. I am sitting here watching cooking channels and advertising for culinary school... you think its a sign? LOL! I actually have been having a reacurring dream lately and thoughts that are consuming my mind, so I might start checking in on it pretty soon. Gotta get projects done and kids in place where they belong!

Ok, I am gonna get a couple of things off my chest this morning, so I can enjoy the rest of our visit. First off, last night I fell asleep watching the food network, ok? So when I wake up this morning, there is one of those paid infomercials for DIET and exercise crap on TV! Are you kidding me??? They are trying to sell diet and exercise crap on a channel devoted to nothing but food and 50% of the chefs are not exactly the thinnest people you have ever seen?! What kind of message does that send? And who is the idiot who thought that was a good idea? Come on people... seriously! Ok then, we all know that every person has at least one issue that just sends them in a rant. I have a few... and I must admit, its a doosy! The other night I saw a commercial on TV for a show called "Toddlers in Tiaras"... and I blew my top! It showed these little girls... I am talking maybe 5 at most... all dolled up and the overzelous pagent mothers teaching their KIDS to be adults. I'm talking waves, sexy walks, smiles, you name it! OMG that SOOOO ticked me off! Does the world not remember a poor little "pagent baby" named JON BENET RAMSEY who was MURDERED? OHHHHH it makes my blood boil! Babies and little girls do not need to wear more makeup than I do and be (in my opinion) exploited like that! I'm sorry, but in my opinion, no good can come of that and cheaply made trophies are not worth my child's life! I think the mom's do it more for themselves than the kids. Ok I'm gonna shut up now and get off my soapbox cause I'm "All Shook Up" now!

Ok, we got some frugal tips today about a topic of favoritism of my mom's LOL! LAUNDRY! Yes, there are lots of ways to be frugal and save money on doing your laundry. Now I will admit, I don't like doing laundry at all! If there was a way to have it magically do it itself, I would be in heaven. But alas, I have no magic wand to say poof and its done LOL. So frugal tips are the next best thng I suppose! Hope these help ya a bit!

Laundry Tips

1. When washing dark clothes for the first time use cold water and put salt in the water. The salt helps set the color. To brighten dark clothes after they have been washed several times, repeat the procedure.

2. Black clothing tends to look brown after several washings. To restore the black color, add coffee or strong tea to the rinse water.

3. Many garments labeled "Dry Clean Only" can be safely handwashed using mild soap like Woolite and cold water.

4. Cut dryer sheets in half before using. They still work just as well. Keep a kleenex box on the dryer for the used ones - use to dust furniture.

5. To dye fabric a brown color inexpensively, soak it in a bucket of strong black coffee. This technique will also camouflage a non-removable coffee stain on a white table cloth.

7. You do not need to wash with hot water unless you are trying to sterilize your laundry. Use the warm or cold setting to save money. Set your rinse on the cold setting. Washing in cold water can save the typical family over $120 a year!

8. The best overall laundry tip: Make your own laundry detergent and fabric softeners! It works great, and costs so much less!

9. When you first switch from store-bought detergent to homemade, wash laundry once with washing soda alone to get rid of the detergent residue and avoid yellowing of fabric.

10. Even your washer needs to be washed once in a while. Run the machine on hot water, normal cycle, and add a bottle of vinegar to clean the soap film and scum that's built up inside.

11. Wash and dry clothes inside out to prevent fading.

12. Tie or pin socks together for easier sorting.

13. Use a mesh bag when washing/drying socks, especially baby socks.

14. Close zippers, button buttons, and tie strings before washing and drying. This keeps clothes from being tangled together.

15. Spot cleaning - Use Tilex Shower Spray (mildew) to spot bleach on clothes that can be bleached, but you don't want to bleach the whole load.

16. Always empty the lint trap every single time you dry clothes in the dryer.

17. If instructions aren't printed on the washer lid, type, laminate, and hang them over the machine.

18. Label or color-code bedroom baskets to prevent laundry room mixups.

19. Pilling is caused by items rubbing against each other in the washer and dryer. Prevent it by turning susceptible clothes inside out and washing them in a mesh bag or a drawstring pillowcase.

20. The difference between "Dry Clean" and "Dry Clean Only" is fragile fabric, but washable. Dry cleaning fluids are tough on fabrics, so whenever they can be avoided, the life of a garment is prolonged.

21. Make your own Spray Starch - 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 1 pint cold water. Place in spray bottle and shake well before each use.

Ok kids, let's make something wonderful. Its craft time! Now its just a few more days til the Christmas Challenge starts, so life will be crazy soon LOL. But "Its Now or Never" to get them done cause band starts August 2nd, so I will be one busy woman LOL! Today I think it would be rather interesting to try making a gift idea for the one who loves to read in your life. Make sure to go and visit the website for the crafter's great step by step instructions and pictorials!



Craft Idea of the Day: Patchwork Notebook Cover

Materials Needed:

a thread-bound composition notebook
around 15 charm pack squares (or 5 x 5-inch fabric squares)
a piece of neutral lightweight fabric cut 11″ x 27″
fusible webbing/iron-on adhesive (I use Heat ‘N Bond Lite)
rotary cutter and mat OR scissors



Ok time to talk about a hunka hunka "Burning Love"... ELVIS! Elvis' very first single was in 1954: "That's All Right"/"Blue Moon of Kentucky." Elvis recorded several singles for Sam Phillips, owner of Memphis' Sun Studio, and first toured locally as the "Hillbilly Cat," singing in a style associated with black musicians like B.B. King. Signed by RCA in 1955, he became an overnight sensation on radio and in concert halls, singing both up-tempo rock songs and haunting ballads. His performance style featured a commanding voice and a charismatic stage presence sneers, twitches, pelvic gyrations leading to mass hysteria among teenage audiences and threatening parents and religious leaders. In 1956, Elvis, already a millionaire at 21, began his film career. His 33 movies (the last in 1972), vehicles for his singing and personality, were box-office, if not critical, successes.

Elvis once said....

"It's hard to explain rock and roll music. If you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me, I can't help it."



Elvis married Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967. The couple had a daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968, and were divorced in 1973. With the advent of The Beatles and other artists of the so-called British Invasion in the 1960s, Elvis' popularity declined and he cut back dramatically on personal appearances, concentrating on his films. Elvis made a stunning comeback as a rocker with an electrifying TV special, simply titled "Elvis" and broadcast on December 3, 1968. In the early '70s, Elvis resumed touring and achieved great success, especially in Las Vegas. A new generation of fans were won over with a new series of hit records. During his lifetime, he sold some 600 million singles and albums.

Now on the journey of PERFECTLY PRESLEY favorites, we learn that the King loved his egg pie in the mornings. So what I bring you is the "traditional" simple egg pie. BUT let's gived it that super twist... and that's more simple than the recipe! Some chefs nowadays call this an egg custard pie, some even call it a quiche. I just call it Southern Comfort in the morning! YUM!



Egg Pie

Ingredients
5 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 stick butter
1 unbaked pie shell

Directions:

Beat eggs

Add sugar and beat well

Scald milk and butter in boiler

Pour scalded milk and butter mixture into egg mixture, beating well as you pour it

Add vanilla

Bake in pie shell in 300 degrees for approximately 30 minutes

Pie is done when it will quiver in center only

Now, here is the fun part... jazzing this up! Elvis probably loved to eat this with another one of his favorite foods... some burnt bacon. Yes, you heard me... BURNT bacon! While I don't recommend burnt, I can say that if you make some crispy bacon and mix that into the pie before baking... OMG! YUM! How about some browned breakfast sausage, some creamy cheese, some sauteed onions, you name it! You can add lots of sauteed veggies, cheeses, etc. Its kind of a fail-proof recipe and ANYTHING will spruce this up from BLAND to BAM! You could even buy a can of smoked oysters at the Dollar store and throw those in for a snazzy seafood surprise (drained of course LOL)!

Well folks, that's all she wrote for today. I hope the King and I have inspired you to get up and "Rock-a-Hula"! LOL... so "Don't Be Cruel" and join me tomorrow for more fantastically regal rock trivia and food! Until then... HUGS!

PERFECTLY PRESLEY!

Well hi there my faithful compadres! How are you doing this morning? I am rather tired actually. I was up late cleaning and building. Yes I said building LOL. I had some scrap wood outside and I braced it on the wall in my bathroom to make a quick makeshift shelf. I painted it white so it would match the bathroom walls. I wanted to do a second shelf, but my drill just gave out on me. It really drove me nuts all night, so I was organizing my little head off! You ever get that "busy energy" that you just can't work off no matter what you do? Yep that would be me LOL! I have alot of sudden "visions" for different areas of the house. Now let's just see if they can come to life.

Alright, its time for the Frugal Mom to take her title by the horns! I found a great site that has tons of great tips. LOL I could make an 8 part series of the Frugal tips of they had... and I think I will LOL! So far, I have brought you Kitchen and recycling tips, and have things like health and beauty, grocery tips, and more still ahead. Today though, I am bringing you some Frugal Cleaning tips!

Frugal Cleaning Tips

1. Dusting with a paintbrush can be an effective way to get into those hard to reach door jambs, etc.

2. Clean your windows with crumpled up newspaper instead of paper towels.

3. When cleaning windows, wipe the outside of pane with vertical strokes and the inside with horizontal strokes. If any streaks appear it will be easier to tell which side they are on.

4. Don't pay lots of money for Windex. Wait until the gallon size Windshield Washer fluid for cars goes on sale, and stock up. I see it in our area on sale for .69 cents quite often. Refill the Windex bottles you have, and save!

5. Are your shoes smelly? Here's a solution. Put some tea leaves into a pair of stockings and stuff each into a shoe. Leave for a day or two and the smell just vanishes.

6. You can clean grease or ink off your hands using vegetable shortening. Just rub it on your hands and then wash normally with soap. Also, you can clean stubborn stains from clothing. Rub a small amount on the stain and then rinse with club soda.

7. Make your own household cleaning products. Use natural cleaners instead of harsh chemical ones.

8. Vinegar - Add to dish water to cut grease. Use as a furniture cleaner. Cleans and disinfects wood cutting boards.

9. Baking soda - Removes mildew from small areas. Use to clean tubs and sinks (won't scratch). Makes a great scouring powder: Keep in a jar with shaker top. Excellent for those with chemical allergies.

10. Clean your rings with toothpaste and old brush.

11. To remove grease from wallpaper, apply baby powder to a clean powder puff, rub, and spot disappears.

12. Cuticle remover will clear hands of nicotine stains.

13. Use Lubriderm skin lotion or Turtle Wax to shine your shoes.

14. Treat stubborn bathtub stains with a mixture of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. By the time the paste dries, the stain should be gone.
15. Paint Brush Cleaner - Household Ammonia.

16. Radiator Cleaner - Tri-sodium phosphate (buy at paint store).

17. To remove sticky residue/glue, try one of these: mayonnaise, peanut butter, nail polish remover, "Goo Gone", or any oil.

18. Tile Cleaner - Deodorized kerosene (buy at an oil company).

19. Use Benzol to remove tar, paint, and wax gum from your car.

20. Erasers will remove black heel marks on floors & Artgum erasers will clean bone colored shoes.

21. To keep the corners of your windowsills free of dust and moisture, rub a white candle into each corner of the sill.

22. If your polished furniture has small scratches: Try rubbing them with a shelled walnut. You'll see the scratches just disappear!

23. Keeping silver jewelry in a zip lock or air tight container will keep it from oxidizing.

24. As soon as you notice a spot or stain on clothing, stop what you are doing and take care of it. The sooner you attend to it, the better the chance you can remove it.

25. To clean glass containers - Use salt and lemon juice, and if the glass is not too fragile, crushed ice. Swirl these around until container is clean, then rinse with warm water.

26. What is the best tool for scrubbing a carpet spot? Another small piece of carpeting.



OK, so now I want to discuss something I absolutely adore... ELVIS PRESLEY! The King of Rock & Roll! OMG was he a handsome man! I even put in CD's and put headphones on my belly when I was pregnant! My kids were born with a love for Elvis LOL! I have seen every movie (and owned them too), can sing every song, and have a huge box of memorabilia... including an old statue whiskey container music box!

Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953. When Vernon and Gladys Presley moved the family to Memphis, Tennessee, Elvis was exposed to a variety of musical styles, including rhythm and blues and jazz. He worked as an usher at a movie theater, a truck driver, and a warehouseman before beginning his show-business career, arguably the most remarkable in modern history. Elvis Presley was a singer, guitarist, and actor. As a rock and roll idol from the '50s through the '70s, he influenced music for an entire generation. In the words of the historical marker that stands outside the house where he was born: "Presley's career as a singer and entertainer redefined popular music."

Ok let's talk crafts. Today I am gonna bring you a rather extravagant idea actually that sticks with the new theme. People in nearly every generation love Elvis and they like to show this appreciation with crafts. There are certain things that make Elvis special. He was a hit in his own time and he continues to be a hit well after his death. You can use these crafts for many different reasons. If you are a particularly large Elvis fan, then you may want to decorate a room in your house with these crafts. Or, you could celebrate either your own birthday, or Elvis’s birthday with these crafts as well.



Craft Idea of the Day: Velvet Elvis

The biggest Elvis craft is the velvet Elvis. This is a painting of Elvis made on black velvet. You can do this yourself fairly easily if you have some proficiency in painting. Even if you do, this can be a really fun activity to do that can really get your creative juices flowing. Find a picture of Elvis’s face that you really like, and then paint that image onto the velvet. You can then hang this up in your home’s regular décor, or you could use it as a focal point for a party. What you choose is completely up to you. Elvis crafts are great because you can really show your appreciation for your favorite entertainer. These crafts are easy to do so that you can have fun with the making of them as well. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination while making crafts related to Elvis. You could use his music and his movies for inspiration while you create.

Time to talk food my Bossa Nova Babies! If ya haven't guessed by now, this week is PERFECTLY PRESLEY WEEK! Now, Elvis had many favorite foods along with the basic Southern dishes he grew up with. I have gathered a few recipes which are documented favorites of his and also will put a modern (and maybe more tasty LOL) spin on them. Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Breaded Chicken Livers, Ham Hocks with Pinto Beans and Blackberry Pie are just a few of the things Elvis grew up with and enjoyed throughout his life. So each day, I plan on featuring one of his favorite food items for you to enjoy. And we are gonna start this week with the infamous sandwich... only turned up a notch! Eat & Enjoy!



Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 to 3 ripe bananas
8 slices white bread
Topping:
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a frying pan, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Make sure butter does not burn.

In a small bowl mix together the peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon. Slice the bananas into 1/4-inch thick slices. Spread the peanut butter mixture on 4 slices of bread and cover with banana slices. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread. Spread the remaining butter on both sides of the sandwiches. Grill the sandwiches in the frying pan until each side is golden brown.

For topping, combine the sugar and cinnamon in shallow plate. Coat the grilled sandwiches with the mixture. Cut diagonally and serve hot.

Ok folks... its time for me to "Shake, Rattle, & Roll" on outta here and finish the projects I started late last night. I hope you are as excited as I am about this weeks theme. I might listen to some of my favorite Elvis music while I work... after all, he offers over 800 great songs to choose from! As Elvis says, you are "Always On My Mind"... so come back and rock on some more great chit chat tomorrow. Until then... HUGS!